The American College Testing ("ACT") is a multiple-choice college entrance exam. Admissions boards use ACT scores to determine whether high school students are prepared to join their particular institutions. ACT scores, along with high school GPAs, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities, reflect a student’s academic prowess.
For the high school class of 2021, ACT composite scores dropped by 0.3 points from the previous year. According to a recent ACT report, 1,295,349 students took the ACT in 2021, and their average composite score was 20.3 points. The pandemic prevented many high-school students from taking the ACT.
The highest possible score students can get on the ACT is 36. However, of the 1,295,349 students who took the ACT in 2021, only 4,055 earned the perfect 36. That’s only 0.313% of all the test takers! So, don’t let this statistic discourage you. Not everyone can or has to be a perfect scorer. But, with persistence and preparation, you can get a good ACT score that helps you land your dream college admission.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the scoring process and help you understand what’s a good ACT score to get into the college you desire.
What’s a Good ACT Score?
Generally, a composite score of 24 or higher is considered good by national standards. Scores in this range put students in the 74th percentile or higher. In other words, a composite score of 24 means that you’re better than 74% of all test takers. Higher scores make students stand out more in ACT score percentiles.
What is an Average ACT Score?
According to the latest ACT report, the average composite score for students who took the ACT in 2021 was 20.3. Students who earn composite scores around this mark can consider their performances to be average.
What is the Highest ACT Score?
The highest possible composite score that students can earn on the ACT exam is 36. This score is the composite (average) of the four scores in the four different subject areas. As stated before, only 0.313% of all the test takers managed to score 36. Do you have to answer all 215 questions correctly to get a perfect score? Not necessarily as composite scores are rounded up/down.
Scoring 36 on three sections and 34 on one may also help you get a score of 36. But, getting an average score of 35.5 or 35.75 is just as hard as scoring 36 on all four sections. Students who take the ACT with the optional writing section don’t have to score 12 to get a perfect 36. The essay writing scores DO NOT AFFECT the student’s composite scores.
While 24 is generally considered to be a good score on the ACT, the highest score is 36.
What sections does an ACT Exam constitute?
The ACT exam constitutes 4 sections - Math, Science, Reading, and English, along with an optional writing section. For the Math section, students have to answer 60 questions in 60 minutes. The topics in this section of the exam are covered in middle and high school curriculums. The Science section consists of 40 questions that need to be answered in 35 minutes. The ACT science section tests the student’s understanding of basic scientific concepts. There’s no lab work. But, students are required to analyze and interpret data from sample experiments to draw their own conclusions. The Reading section tests students on their reading comprehension abilities and requires students to answer 40 questions in 35 minutes. Lastly, the English section comprises 75 questions that must be answered in 45 minutes. This test section covers a range of topics associated with English reading and writing, such as spelling, punctuations, grammar, sentence structures, and style. In addition to these 4 sections, students have an optional essay which they need to write within 40 minutes.
So the ACT consists of a total of 215 questions and an optional essay. Students receive 2 hours and 55 minutes in total to complete all sections. There are no penalties for guessing. Raw scores are exclusively dependent on the number of questions answered correctly. Hence, students shouldn’t leave any questions blank.
How are ACT scores calculated?
The ACT exam constitutes 4 sections - Math, Science, Reading, and English, along with an optional writing section. For the Math section, students have to answer 60 questions in 60 minutes. The Science and Reading sections each consist of 40 questions that need to be answered in 35 minutes, while the English section comprises 75 questions that must be answered in 45 minutes. In addition to these 4 sections, students have an optional essay which they need to write within 40 minutes.
So the ACT consists of a total of 215 questions and an optional essay. Students receive 2 hours and 55 minutes in total to complete all sections. There are no penalties for guessing. Raw scores are exclusively dependent on the number of questions answered correctly. Hence, students shouldn’t leave any questions blank.
Each of the four sections is scored on a scale of 1-36. The optional essay is scored individually on a scale of 1-12. Students receive individual section scores (1-36 and 1-12) along with composite scores. Colleges typically use composite scores to assess a student’s performance on the ACT.
The concept of ACT composite scores is the main source of confusion for most students. Here’s a straightforward three-step process of calculating your composite ACT score -
Calculate the raw scores for each section
Convert the raw scores to scale scores on a scale of 1-36 using score conversion tables
Calculate the composite scores by dividing the sum of scale scores by 4
(Video) What Is a Good ACT Score in 2023? (High ACT Score Strategies Revealed)
Unlike the four multiple-choice sections, the optional essay writing test is scored on a subjective basis. Two readers evaluate the essay and score it on a scale of 1–6. Overall, students can score anywhere between 2-12 (1-6 x 2 evaluators).
ACT Score Percentile Distribution
Students can view their composite ACT scores in the form of percentages to compare their performances with other test-takers. Bear in mind – each college has its own ACT percentile range. For admissions, ACT composite scores are way more important than the percentiles. Here’s the ACT composite score percentile distribution for the year 2020-21 –
ACT Composite Score: 34-36, ACT Composite Percentile: 99-100%
ACT Composite Score: 31-33, ACT Composite Percentile: 95-98%
ACT Composite Score: 28-30, ACT Composite Percentile: 80-93%
ACT Composite Score: 25-27, ACT Composite Percentile: 78-85%
ACT Composite Score: 22-24, ACT Composite Percentile: 64-74%
ACT Composite Score: 19-21, ACT Composite Percentile: 47-59%
ACT Composite Score: 16-18, ACT Composite Percentile: 28-41%
ACT Composite Score: 11-15, ACT Composite Percentile: 2-22%
ACT Composite Score: 10 or less, ACT Composite Percentile: 1%
Good ACT Composite Scores for Popular Institutes
Achieving a composite score of 34 or higher means that your application will be considered in every top institute. Students who want admissions to selective institutions must aim for a composite score of 34 or higher. Here’s a list of the composite scores required by top schools for newly enrolled students in 2022 -
Composite Scores Required by the Most Selective Schools
These are the top-tier academic institutions that generally admit less than 20% of all applicants. These schools have highly limited spots for new students, so they have higher score ranges. -
Harvard University: 33-34
Stanford University: 32-35
Vanderbilt University: 33-35
Johns Hopkins University: 33-35
Columbia University: 33-35
California Institute of Technology: 35-36
Georgetown University: 31-35
Duke University: 33-35
University of Chicago: 33-35
(Video) ACT Tips & Tricks that ACTUALLY work (minimal studying) in 2023
Colleges and universities that typically admit between 20-50% of all applicants have slightly lower score ranges.
University of Michigan: 31-34
Colgate University: 31-34
University of Virginia: 30-34
Bucknell University: 28-32
The US Naval Academy: 26-32
Rutgers: 25-32
The US Military Academy West Point: 25-30
Clemson University: 27-32
Purdue University: 25- 32
Virginia Tech: 25-31
Penn State University: 23-30
Pratt Institute: 24-30
Seton Hall University: 24-29
Auburn University: 19-23
University of Colorado – Boulder: 25-31
University of Arizona: 21-29
New Jersey Institute of Technology: 24-31
University of Delaware: 24-30
The Juilliard School: 24
Unsure whether you can get an entry to your dream institute? Don’t worry. Many students get into top-tier schools with scores lower than these typical requirements. After all, your ACT score is only one part of your overall application.
All colleges on this list consider other factors like - high school GPAs, letters of recommendation, admissions essays, etc. Instead of obsessing over how you can climb this list of eligibility, focus on creating your own “goal score.” Prepare in accordance with this goal score.
Acceptance to your dream college will require a variety of factors
How to Find Your Goal Score?
What may be considered a bad ACT composite score for one student may be a decent score for another student. Your goal score should be based on your individual academic goals. For instance, students trying to get into top schools like Johns Hopkins University should set higher goals.
On the other hand, students who are willing to attend any top/medium-tier college can set more achievable goal scores. For them, an average ACT score of 24 or more will get the job done. Higher ACT scores allow students to be more selective with the colleges they apply to. A higher ACT composite score will boost your eligibility.
But, students shouldn’t be unrealistic while setting their goal ACT scores. Instead, they should take a scientific approach to this process. Here’s a guide.
Self-Assessment: Get a clear idea of your starting point. Based on your current abilities, how much do you think you can score on your first ACT? A good way of determining this starting point score is by taking mock tests. Once you have this score in mind, start improving.
Timeline Assessment: How much preparation time do you have before your ACT test? The more preparation time you have, the higher you should set your goal score.
SWOT Analysis: What are your strengths and weaknesses in regards to the four mandatory ACT topics? Do you excel in Math, Science, or English? Focus on your strengths. Improve your weaknesses. Also, assess other aspects of your overall application. What ACT score do you need to boost your overall application? If your extracurriculars, school grades, etc., are poor, aim for higher ACT scores.
College Goals: Figure out which educational institutes you aim to apply. Use the list above to figure out the ACT requirements of the schools in your application list.
Determine Your Final Goal Score: This step will vary for all students. However, most students aim for a 75% score as it makes them eligible for admissions into top-tier schools. Make this score your goal to boost your overall eligibility.
Can ACT Scores Help Students Win Scholarships?
Yes. A student’s ACT score may grant him/her scholarships from top institutes. Some students are automatically granted scholarships after they receive their ACT scores. These are the highly talented students who exceptionally demonstrate their capabilities in their ACT tests.
Other students may qualify to receive scholarships by sending special applications. For instance, let’s say you have a good ACT score and you score high on a college admission exam. That institute may reward your performance with financial assistance. Overall, achieving a high ACT score can increase your chances of earning scholarships.
Students who want ACT-based scholarships must conduct thorough research into these offers and create appropriate study plans. Here’s a list of top-tier universities that frequently offer ACT-based and other merit-based scholarships -
The University of Chicago - Stamps Scholarship
The Duke University - Robertson Scholars Leadership Program
California Institute of Technology - Stamps Scholarship
The University of Notre Dame - Stamps Scholarship
Washington University (St. Louis) – The Annika Rodriguez Scholars Program
The University of California - Stamps Scholarship
University of Southern California – The Mork Family Scholarship, Stamps Scholarship, and
- (Video) What's a Good ACT® Score? 2021 EDITION UPDATED! Test Score Ranges! Charts! College Admission Tips!
The University of North Carolina - Morehead-Cain Scholars
Boston College - Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program
University of Rochester - Alan and Jane Handler Endowed Scholarship
Boston University - Trustee Scholarship
The University of Wisconsin - Chancellor’s Scholarship Program
American University – The Frederick Douglass Scholarship Program
Arcadia University – The President’s Scholarship
University of Buffalo - Millonzi Distinguished Honors Scholarship
Drake University - National Alumni Scholarship
Oberlin College - Stamps Scholarship
Clemson University - National Scholars Program
Louisiana State University - Stamps Scholarship
University of Texas (Dallas) – The Eugene McDermott Scholars Program
What if My ACT Score is Too Low?
While it’s discouraging to find you’ve scored low in your ACT exam, it’s not all doom and gloom. Students who receive poor scores the first or the second time often score higher in their future attempts. Here are the steps that students who score low on their ACT tests should take -
Sign-Up for Retests
Retaking the test is the best way for students to earn higher scores. However, all educational institutes have strict cutoff dates for reviewing applications. Learn about these deadlines before scheduling your re-test.
Assess Your Mistakes
Review every answer to discover what you did wrong. This assessment will help you improve in future tests. Instead of skimming through the question and answer sheets, try to understand your errors. Avoid the same errors in the re-test.
Super-Scoring
Many colleges allow students to take their best scores from different exams and combine them to create “super-scores.” For example, let’s say you’ve taken both the ACT and the SAT exams. You’ve scored well in the Math sections of both the exams. But, you’ve scored poorly in the English sections of both the exams.
If your educational goals are mainly Math-related, combine your ACT and SAT Math scores to create a super-score. Mention the super-score in your application. Bear in mind – not all colleges allow “super-scoring.” Check whether the school you’re applying for observes this rule.
Prepare for the ACT Retake
After understanding what went wrong in your previous test, start preparing for the re-test. This time, make your preparations different from the first time. Devote more time to your weaknesses. Keep taking practice exams, mock tests, etc., to track your rate of improvement.
If you need expert assistance, turn to specialized ACT prep institutions like Prestige. Prestige’s data-based preparation program is the most effective in helping students receive top scores. 50% of Prestige’s student-base scores higher than 75% every year. That’s because the institute is the only prep that has specialized ACT prep courses with strategic approaches customized for each student.
Prestige assesses each student’s test-taking skills to understand the types of mistakes they frequently make. Then, they create customized paths for each student to get to their “goal scores.” Since every batch only consists of five students, Prestige’s educators can pay close attention to every students’ needs.
Start preparing on Prestige’s digital platform by answering real-test questions. Sign up for a free level test and a free consultation now!
FAQs
What is a Good ACT Score in 2022? ›
Usually, an ACT score of 24 or higher is seen as being good. According to the 2022 ACT National Profile Report, one would score in the 74th percentile of test takers with this.
What is a decent ACT score 2022? ›Generally, a composite score of 24 or higher is considered good by national standards. Scores in this range put students in the 74th percentile or higher. In other words, a composite score of 24 means that you're better than 74% of all test takers.
What ACT score is good enough to submit? ›Getting a high ACT score can increase your chances of getting into selective colleges. In general, a good ACT score is any score in or above the 75th percentile — at least a 24. Students should aim to hit or exceed the middle 50% of ACT scores at their chosen colleges.
Are 2022 ACT scores lower? ›The average composite ACT score for the 2022 class dropped to the lowest level in more than 30 years.
Is a 30 on the 2022 ACT score good? ›Because of all this, a 30 ACT score is definitely considered good! To help you understand your standing within all test takers, a score of 30 on the ACT puts you at the 93rd percentile, meaning you scored higher than 93% of all test takers.
Is an 18 ACT score good? ›Earning an 18 on the ACT puts you at the 38th percentile, meaning that you scored higher than 38% of all test takers.
Is 27 a good ACT score for a junior? ›Is a 27 ACT Score (85th Percentile) Good? A 27 ACT score puts you a good deal about the national average (20.8) and makes you eligible for acceptance at a vast majority of schools. It also makes you competitive at some selective institutions, as well as eligible for merit aid!
Is a 19 ACT score good? ›Is 19 a good ACT score? A 19 ACT score doesn't make you eligible or competitive at as many colleges and universities as most would want. To improve your eligibility and competitiveness, you'll want to aim for a 20 to 21, which puts you right at the national average.
What ACT score is good for scholarships? ›Generally speaking, it's best to aim for an ACT composite score that's in the 75th percentile or above – this means a score of at least 24. However, a score that's "good" for you may not be the same as for somebody else – your ACT score goal will vary based on your college, scholarship, and career goals for the future.
Is 15 a bad ACT score? ›The average ACT score is 20.
The 25th percentile score is 15, and the 75th percentile score is 24. This means that if you got 15, you'd have scored the same as or better than 25% of all test takers. Meanwhile, the 75th percentile means you scored better than 75% of test takers.
What is a failing ACT score? ›
There is no such thing as a failing ACT score. The lowest score you can get on the standardized test is 1, while the highest score you can get on it is 36.
Do colleges look at GPA or ACT scores more? ›When it comes to the GPA and the ACT, students often wonder which one is more important. Although college admissions officers often say that they give much more weight to a student's GPA, even they will admit that your ACT score is of considerable importance.
What percent of people fail the ACT? ›In 2021, 38 percent of ACT test takers failed to meet any of the benchmarks. “Academic preparedness is where we are seeing the decline,” said Rose Babington. She is senior director for state partnerships for the ACT.
Should I retake the ACT if I got a 29? ›There's no pressing need to retake the ACT with a score of 29, unless your ideal school would like to see a higher score. The only schools that require a score higher than 29 are typically very competitive, making them difficult to gain admittance to, even for qualified students.
Can you get into Harvard with a 30 ACT? ›There's no absolute ACT requirement at Harvard, but they really want to see at least a 33 to have a chance at being considered.
Should you retake ACT with a 31? ›Should I Retake the ACT with a 31 Score? With a 31 ACT score, there's really no need to retake the ACT unless your ideal school wants a higher score. Otherwise, you're well set up to go to an excellent college with merit aid.
Do schools prefer SAT or ACT? ›Both ACT and SAT scores are used for college admissions decisions and awarding merit-based scholarships. Most colleges do not prefer one test over the other. Neither the SAT nor the ACT is harder than the other.
What is the lowest ACT score to get into college? ›Colleges That Accept Average ACT Score. In general, many US colleges and universities accept applicants with 16 or 17 ACT scores. In fact, an ACT score of 16 or lower is accepted by 33 schools.
Is 24 a bad ACT score? ›A score of 24 on the ACT certainly makes you an eligible candidate, as well as competitive! To put this another way, a 24 ACT score puts you at the 73rd percentile, meaning you scored higher than 73% of all test takers — which is definitely something to be proud of!
What is the average first ACT score? ›What is the Average ACT Score? The ACT test is graded on a scale of 1-36, and according to the 2022 ACT Research Publication, the current national average ACT score is 20.8.
What ACT score is needed for Harvard? ›
The average ACT score for students who get accepted into Harvard is between 32 and 35. This is well above the national average of 21. Considering 36 is the highest you can score, this is a daunting goal. The average ACT score for Harvard University is much higher than that of any other Ivy League in the country.
Will a 27 on the ACT get you scholarships? ›While many schools are moving away from using standardized test scores, some still use the ACT as an important barometer. No matter what your ACT score is, you may be able to find scholarships that fit your score range. You can find scholarships for scores as low as 10 or for scores higher than 30.
Which one is easier SAT or ACT? ›Is ACT Easier Than SAT? The ACT tends to be the better fit for students who struggle with word problems or algebra in general. While the ACT does test algebra, the broader array of concepts tested gives weaker math students or students with quick recall of long-since-memorized concepts an advantage.
What ACT score do colleges accept? ›The highest ACT score possible is a 36, and the national average is around a 25. Many students who are applying to the most selective colleges and universities aim for a 34 or higher on the ACT, and may retake the test if they get below a 32.
What colleges take 19 ACT score? ›| School Name | Location | ACT Avg |
|---|---|---|
| California State University Northridge | Northridge, CA | 19 |
| Indiana University of Pennsylvania | Indiana, PA | 19 |
| California State University Sacramento | Sacramento, CA | 19 |
| California State University Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | 18 |
What is the Highest ACT Score Possible? The highest ACT score possible is 36 with the national average score being 12. Typically, a good ACT composite test score is considered to be anything over 27.
What ACT score is good for most colleges? ›As a whole, the average ACT scores for the top 20 universities in the US are 34–36 for English, 31–35 for Math, and 33–35 for composite ACT scores. This means that if you hope to apply to the top-tier universities in the US, you should aim for ACT scores in the 30s, ideally in the 34–36 range.
Should I retake the ACT? ›Most students who retake the ACT/SAT get a higher score the second time around. It's highly recommended to take an exam more than once—higher scores lead to increased acceptance odds and more scholarships, after all.
What is the lowest ACT score Harvard accepted? ›Score for Acceptance
At a minimum, you should aim for a 33 and score in the score in the top 2 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 32. 31 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Harvard University.
The average ACT hovers just below 21, at a 20.9, making that a great benchmark for all college-bound students. Several colleges will accept an ACT score of 18, but not as many as we'd typically like to see. Re-taking the test and aiming for the 21 score would be ideal.
What is the average ACT score? ›
The average ACT score is 19.
A score of 24 places you at the 76th percentile—better than ¾ of test-takers!
There's no “passing score” on the ACT; a good ACT score is one that helps strengthen your application and increases your chances of getting into the school of your choice.
Does ACT ever mess up scores? ›It's very rare for ACT, Inc. to send incorrect ACT scores, but it does happen. If you are surprised by how low your ACT scores are, there is a process you can go through to get your scores verified, but be aware the chances of your scores changing is very small.
Should I worry about my ACT score? ›Colleges do not care about your ACT or SAT scores. As long you participate in extracurricular activities and earn positions in these activities, even if your score did not meet the standard, they will still accept.
Do colleges still care about ACT? ›Though many four-year colleges and universities in the United States require ACT or SAT scores for admission, these days, many do not. Colleges that don't require ACT scores are known as "test-optional" schools. This means that you do not have to send in any ACT/SAT scores with your application but may if you want to.
Do colleges look at senior year grades? ›The important thing to know is that colleges do look at your senior year grades. So, a weaker performance in senior year than in previous grades can impact your application and college admissions decisions.
Do colleges care about your ACT score? ›ACT Reporting on the Common App
Colleges only see your highest composite score from any test date and your highest English, Math, Reading, and Science scores from any test dates.
"The score decline really reflects students' lack of access to a rigorous high school curriculum… The scores themselves are really a direct reflection of the standards and skills that we want students to have to be successful in their freshman college courses," Babington says.
Has the ACT gotten easier over the years? ›Relatively speaking, the ACT has gotten “harder” over the years. As students start to do better on ACT, the test-makers gradually adjust the difficulty level of the test. And students have gotten better. In 1970, the average composite score nationwide was 18.6.
What state has the lowest average ACT score? ›Massachusetts students led the way in composite ACT scores in the United States in 2021, with an average composite score of 27.6 points out of 36. Nevada students had the lowest average composite score, with 17.8 points.
What happens if I retake the ACT and get a lower score? ›
Getting a lower score on a retake won't affect college admission. Luckily, some schools do not require you to send all of your scores if you don't want to. Your chances of getting into you dream school aren't ruined just because of a score decrease.
Can you get a full scholarship with a 29 ACT score? ›Overall, my research so far has been surprising in that there are a few schools that will offer full-tuition scholarships starting in the 22 – 25 ACT range, but most full-ride scholarships require a 28 ACT or higher.
Is it worth retaking the ACT if I got a 34? ›Should I Retake the ACT with a 34 Score? There's no need to retake the ACT with a score of 34. A 34 makes you eligible and competitive for all colleges and universities, which is the goal! For juniors, remember that most colleges weigh ACT scores and GPA about equally.
What is the lowest ACT score to get into Yale? ›ACT Requirements
Yale is test-optional for the next admissions cycle. Yale University's ACT scores for admitted students range from 33 to 35, with an average score of 34. A good ACT score will still boost your application above the competition and help get you into your dream school.
To get to Harvard your GPA has to be at least a 4.0 and even then if you get in your lucky but they require at least a 4.18 GPA only .
What is an Ivy League ACT score? ›Generally speaking, you need a minimum ACT score of 31 to get into an Ivy League School. The minimum score is 32 at a few of these schools, including Harvard and Yale. The minimum SAT score to get into an Ivy League school ranges from 690 to 730 for the reading section and from 700 to 730 for the math section.
How many times can you fail the ACT? ›ACT Inc., which administers the exam, lets you take the test up to 12 times, though it's best to take it no more than 2-3 times. Beyond that, you're unlikely to boost your scores substantially. What's more, multiple retakes might reflect negatively on your college application.
Are ACT scores good forever? ›The good news is, the ACT doesn't have an official expiration date on their scores. It is worth noting that after five years, the ACT company recommends you re-take the test. Chances are high that you have grown and changed since you initially took the ACT.
How many questions can I get wrong on the ACT to get a 30? ›English: 34 (miss no more than around 7 questions) Math: 28 (miss no more than around 16 questions) Reading: 34 (miss no more than around 3 questions) Science: 30 (miss no more than around 7 questions)
Is a 20 a good ACT score 2022? ›Science average score: 19.9
If you score a 20, that means you're slightly above the 50th percentile and roughly 50% of test takers scored higher than you and 50% scored lower.
Is a 23 on the ACT bad? ›
A score of 23 on the ACT is above the current national average and will make you a strong applicant at many universities, but it may fall below the average score for accepted students at more selective colleges. The higher your ACT score, the more options are open to you. Read on to learn more about ACT scores.
Is a 19 on the ACT good? ›Is 19 a good ACT score? A 19 ACT score doesn't make you eligible or competitive at as many colleges and universities as most would want. To improve your eligibility and competitiveness, you'll want to aim for a 20 to 21, which puts you right at the national average.
Is a 25 on the ACT good? ›Earning an ACT score of 25 puts you above average, making you eligible at a wide variety of schools and competitive at some selective institutions. To put this accomplishment in another light, a 25 ACT score puts you at the 75th percentile — that means you scored higher than 75% of all test takers.
Can I get a scholarship with a 20 ACT score? ›No matter what your ACT score is, you may be able to find scholarships that fit your score range. You can find scholarships for scores as low as 10 or for scores higher than 30.
Do colleges accept a 20 on the ACT? ›An ACT score of 20 makes you eligible to apply to an okay number of schools, but doesn't quite make you competitive since it falls below the national average of 20.8.
Can you get into Harvard with a 23 ACT? ›At a minimum, you should aim for a 33 and score in the score in the top 2 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 32. 31 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Harvard University.
Has anyone ever gotten a 1 on the ACT? ›The absolute minimum ACT score you can get is a 1, although this is very unlikely to happen. You might be more worried about getting a score high enough to get into college.
How many colleges accept a 23 ACT score? ›23 ACT Score Standings
Out of the 1.91 million test-takers, 612739 scored the same or higher than you. You can apply to 876 colleges and have a good shot at getting admitted. You have a very low chance of getting into 623 schools with this score.
A 19 ACT score doesn't make you eligible or competitive at as many colleges and universities as most would want. To improve your eligibility and competitiveness, you'll want to aim for a 20 to 21, which puts you right at the national average.
What is the lowest score on the ACT? ›Your Composite score and each test score (English, mathematics, reading, science) range from 1 (low) to 36 (high).
Can I get into Harvard with a 25 ACT? ›
Average ACT: 34
The 25th percentile ACT score is 33, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 35. In other words, a 33 places you below average, while a 35 will move you up to above average. There's no absolute ACT requirement at Harvard, but they really want to see at least a 33 to have a chance at being considered.
Yes, you should definitely retake the exam if you received a 25 ACT score or lower. This is a relatively weak score that will preclude you from getting into many colleges and universities in the country. If you took the ACT far enough in advance, you should have more than enough time to prepare and retake it.
What is the average ACT score first time? ›The average ACT score is 19.
If you've scored 20, then you've scored higher than 50% of test-takers. That's pretty good, depending on your frame of reference.